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Agricultural industry

Native Chicken Farming in Bangladesh: A Profitable yet Challenging Industry

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers from the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute have recently conducted a study to assess the livelihood status of native chicken farmers in Bangladesh, their rate of profitability, constraints, and suggestions for addressing these issues. The primary data were collected from a random sample of 260 native chicken-rearing farmers across six divisions in Bangladesh. The study found that the majority of farms (36.9%) were small in size (1-10 chickens), followed by medium (11-15 chickens) and large (15 chickens) farms (31.9%). Common deshi hens were present in nearly 95% of the farms. The market prices for different categories of chicken in 2023 ranged from 63.91 ± 0.52 to 61.07 ± 0.58 BDT per hali. Native chicken farming contributed 7.79% to household income.

Key Takeaways:

  • The majority of native chicken farms in Bangladesh (36.9%) were small in size (1-10 chickens).
  • Common deshi hens were present in nearly 95% of the farms.
  • Market prices for different categories of chicken in 2023 ranged from 63.91 ± 0.52 to 61.07 ± 0.58 BDT per hali.
  • Native chicken farming contributed 7.79% to household income.
  • The Patuakhali district had the highest benefit-cost ratio of 2.61, while Rangpur had the lowest at 1.57.
  • The major constraints reported by farmers were disease outbreaks and predatory animal attacks, mentioned by 80.4% of the farmers.
  • The study concluded that native chicken farming in Bangladesh is profitable despite some challenges that need to be addressed.
  • Syidul Islam, the lead researcher, and his team members Sharmin Sultana, Md. Ashraful Islam, Shamim Ahmed, and Razia Khatun contributed to this research.

Statistics:

  • 260 native chicken-rearing farmers participated in the study.
  • 95% of the farms had common deshi hens.
  • The market prices for roasters, hens, and chicks in 2023 were 329.68 ± 7.20 BDT, 302.22 ± 2.66 BDT, and 68.23 ± 2.28 BDT, respectively.
  • Native chicken farming contributed 7.79% to household income.
  • The benefit-cost ratio of native chicken farming in Patuakhali district was 2.61, while in Rangpur it was 1.57.
  • 80.4% of the farmers reported disease outbreaks and predatory animal attacks as major constraints.

Sources:

  • An Assessment of Livelihood Status, Profitability, and Obstacles Faced in Native Chicken Farming in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh. The Iranian Journal of Veterinary Science and Technology, 2025,17(2):38-50.
  • Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute. Researchers from Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute Report Recent Findings in Chicken Farms (An Assessment of Livelihood Status, Profitability, and Obstacles Faced in Native Chicken Farming in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh). Agriculture Week. October 16, 2025; p 637.

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